by Darian Peters

Created on: December 14, 2009

Cat allergies in humans can be caused by a number of factors such as glycoproteins secreted by the cat. This over-reaction by the immune system can result in symptoms affecting the eyes and the respiratory tract, in particular. Treatment for the condition can involve minimising the contact that they have with the cat. Other approaches aim to reduce the exposure to the allergens via cleansing of the cat, the person, and the air. There is also an injection available to help reduce the symptoms.

There are many things in the environment that can cause allergies in human beings. But perhaps the most frustrating for many animal lovers is when they are allergic to their own pet. Cats are one of the animals that seem particularly likely to cause adverse allergic reactions in people. One of the main causes of such reactions is a glycoprotein called Fel d 1.

There are a variety of symptoms that can be caused by an allergic reaction to a cat. The eyes can be particularly affected with redness, soreness, and itchiness all appearing, and the eyes watering. The other main type of symptom is with the respiratory system and this can include coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties, blocked nose, and a sore or itchy throat. Other possible symptoms include swollen feet and itchy skin.

The obvious way to treat the symptoms of cat allergies is by reducing contact with the animals. Of course for someone who loves their cat it would be too hard a choice to make to let them go. However, there are some steps that could be taken to minimise the problem. This could involve banning the cat from particular rooms in the house and making sure that you regularly wash your hands and clean the areas of the house where the cat is allowed.

Lowering exposure to the allergens in other ways is also possible. This could involve using an air purifier or HEPA filter, for example. Brushing and bathing the cat regularly are also helpful in this respect. There is also a medical approach that is aimed at helping the symptoms of cat allergies in the form of injection therapy. Some people may have heard that there is also the possibility that they become desensitised to their cat’s allergens, with their allergic reaction reducing over time. This is by no means guaranteed and it could well be that the problem gets even worse over time.

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